Valentina Shevchenko has called on the UFC to sign Rajabali Shaidullaev, the current Rizin champion in the 66 kg division. Shaidullaev is 25 years old and holds an undefeated record of 19-0. Shevchenko's endorsement carries significant weight given her status as a former UFC champion. The post expressed support for bringing the young, undefeated prospect to the UFC. Details about Shaidullaev's recent performances or specific fighting style were not included in the brief announcement.
Valentina Shevchenko has publicly called on the UFC to sign Rajabali Shaidullaev, the reigning Rizin champion at 66 kilograms, in a social media post that quickly drew attention across the combat sports community.
Shevchenko, known as "Bullet," is one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history. The 38-year-old Kyrgyzstan native competes in the Women's Flyweight division and currently holds the UFC championship, carrying a professional record of 26-4-1. Trained out of Tiger Muay Thai, the southpaw is renowned for her technical precision, landing 3.14 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent striking accuracy rate while also averaging 2.62 takedowns per 15 minutes. Her endorsement of a prospect carries considerable weight given that standing in the sport.
Shaidullaev, 25 years old and undefeated at 19-0, holds the Rizin title in the 66-kilogram division. Beyond his perfect record and championship status, specific details about his fighting style and recent performances were not included in Shevchenko's announcement.
Why it matters
- Shaidullaev's 19-0 record and Rizin title make him one of the more compelling unsigned prospects in his weight class
- A public push from a sitting UFC champion gives the call unusual visibility and could accelerate UFC interest
- The 66 kg Rizin division does not map directly onto a UFC weight class, meaning a division fit would need to be established before any signing
